The theme of the essay contest is “Waste burning: Its impact and the role of youth to mitigate it”. This is an initiative to raise awareness among schools and students about the issue of waste burning that is running rampant in the urban areas of Nepal. Altogether 40 schools participated in the contest engaging more than 1700 students within their schools. The best three essays will be announced and awarded on 11 August 2016 amid a formal prize distribution program. The first, second and third essays will be awarded Rs. 30 000, Rs. 20 000 and Rs 10 000 respectively. A short drama prepared for the awareness on best practices of waste management prepared by Amics Del Nepal will also be shown at the event. The program has been planned on the occasion of International Youth Day 2016 in collaboration with the UNESCO education unit in Kathmandu, the National Youth Council and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce Youth Chamber.

A total of 80-100 guests are expected at the event including representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, District Education Office of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, UNESCO education unit, Leo, Rotaracts, PABSON, NPABSON, National Youth Council, media persons, representatives from 40 schools and other related stakeholders.